After Attadale Gardens, the scenic journey continues to view Shieldaig Island, a truly superb location off the village of Shieldaig on Loch Torridon. Covered with rocky outcrops, seaweed, scrub and native Caledonian Pine trees, the Island is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Following on from a short drive, we will arrive at the Torridon Hotel. Explore their two-acre Kitchen Garden, including visiting the Gin Garden. We return to Inverness with a leisurely drive through the majestic Torridon Hills. These mountains have some of the most spectacular peaks in the British Isles. Our final stop is at the Glen Docherty Viewpoint looking towards Loch Maree as we make our way back at the end of a memorable day.
After Attadale Gardens we travel the short scenic route to the legendary Eilean Donan Castle, “the most photographed castle in Scotland”. Onwards and through Glenmoriston, a beautiful drive and steeped in Jacobite history and legend. We pass through Fort Augustus enroute to Urquhart Castle, overlooking the breathtaking Loch Ness and a wonderful photo opportunity. Our final stop is at The Garden at the Loch, Abriachan Nurseries. A short woodland and garden walk around the garden before we head back to our starting point. Truly a magnificent day to remember.
The setting for the Lochcarron Highland games, Attadale Gardens is located within the grounds of a 20-acre Highland Estate with outstanding garden views of Skye. Visitors arrive through the water gardens and can wander through the new wood, admire the huge trunks of the ancient rhododendrons, as well as exploring the sunken garden, the peace garden, plus the Japanese garden and a geodesic dome filled with ferns. Use of unique sculpture throughout the grounds are both thought provoking and evocative to further enhance the genius loci of this jewel of a garden in the rugged landscape of Wester Ross.
The picturesque village of Shieldaig sits on the shore of Loch Shieldaig – a sea loch which opens into Loch Torridon and then out to the Minch. Opposite the village is Shieldaig Island, a bird sanctuary which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland on which the Sea Eagles have nested in recent years. We will stop here briefly to take in the views and breath in the sea air.
The Torridon Hotel is a 5 Star boutique hotel not far from Shieldaig. The two-acre, kitchen garden with greenhouses and orchard supplies the award-winning restaurant with fresh produce. The Gin Garden with a central star-shaped pond, showcase unique Wester Ross botanicals such as Ligusticum scoticum (Scottish Lovage) which is included in their Arcturus Gin.
Torridon, in Gaelic “Place of Transference” and the mountains, considered by many to embody and encapsulate the North Highland Landscape of Scotland. Britain’s first and largest National Nature Reserve, Torridon is an enchanting ancient wilderness of water and rock, you might even spot a golden eagle. Torridon is also an area with a rich and ancient history, complete with legendary tales of Viking princes and rumours of illicit whisky distilling and smuggling.
Reputedly the most attractive loch in the Scotland, we stop at this famous viewpoint to look back at Loch Maree with the majestic Slioch mountain in the background. Return to Inverness at the end of a memorable day.
Eilean Donan Castle is recognised around the world as one of Scotland’s most iconic castles. Situated on a small tidal island where three great sea lochs meet and surrounded by majestic scenery. Our second stop and time to visit and explore the castle.
Founded in the 13th century and sited on an earlier medieval fortification, Urquhart Castle is a ruined castle and one of the largest in Scotland. Situated on a headland with panoramic views of Loch Ness the castle played a role in the Wars of Scottish Independence and has been linked to both the Picts and St Columba. We will stop here for a photo opportunity of this legendary castle.
This is an outstanding garden with over four acres of exciting planting and paths that meander through native woodlands. Abriachan Nursery was established in 1983 when the Davidson family returned from living in the Falkland Islands. Over the years the garden and nursery have gradually grown up the hillside, merging with the wonderful existing landscape and integrating with the lush native deciduous woodlands. The perfect final stop as we head back with a short drive into Inverness.
Price – £750 per Tour
Duration – 8-9 hours (Duration may vary based on pick up location)
Transport – Luxury SUV. Suitable for 1-3 passengers
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